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Should You Call a Window Repairman? Window repair professionals can help you save on energy costs over time. But you need to take into consideration your budget and if it's better to replace your windows. The cost of replacing windows could be increased by issues such as the deterioration of frames or seals which fail. To decide when to hire a handyman, read more about the most common window problems. Cracked or Broken Panes A bad storm or a pebble that is thrown by a mower, or a vase that is thrown over can cause a crack in your window glass. Even if there is only upvc window repair near me that needs to be repaired promptly before it gets worse or the glass cracks. Broken windows can also pose a safety hazard, as glass shards could cause injury to you or your family members. A broken window can be fixed with clear tape or an adhesive strong enough to hold the glass together. For larger cracks it is recommended to purchase two-part epoxy that contains an adhesive and a resin, such as caulk. To apply the epoxy make sure you prepare your work area by covering your floor with cardboard sheets or drop cloth. Take the old glass out and clean it. Also, you should close off the area and warn your family members not to enter the work zone until the job is completed. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from shattered glass fragments. After the window has been removed, remove the molding that holds it in the place. Also, remove the glazing putty and glazing points that support the glass. You can remove the glazing points using pliers. Apply an adhesive cross-patch to the crack to stop it from spreading. Apply a second layer on both sides of the crack to increase strength and stability. A serious crack in a double-paned windows could compromise the gas between the panes making your home less energy-efficient. You can also use plastic sheets to insulate the glass. This is the least invasive method to repair a cracked glass pane. For more serious damage, like a hole in both panes of the windows, it is recommended to contact an expert in window repair. They can examine the damage and recommend the best method to fix your window. In some instances the need for a new window might be necessary. In this instance the window expert can assist you in selecting the right type of replacement and then install it efficiently and cost-effectively. Water Damage Over time, windows may develop leaks, which if not treated can cause significant problems. Wood rot, water damage on ceilings and walls, and mold are some of the issues that may be caused by leaks. In many instances, the first sign of a window that is leaky is the appearance of water staining or peeling paint that appears close to or around windows. The problem may be also evident in the form of puddles of water forming underneath the window. It is essential to call a window technician when you notice any of these indications. Repairmen can help determine the cause of the leak and make repairs to stop it from repeating itself in the future. Caulking and seals that have deteriorated can allow water into the frame or sill. Since they are often exposed to direct sunlight or rain, window sills are particularly vulnerable to moisture. Water that leaks through the wood can lead to rot and structural damage. Recaulking around the perimeter of a window is the most effective solution to fix a leaky window. Most homeowners can do this with a caulking gun, or utility knife. Start with the exterior and move towards the interior. A good exterior caulk will last a long time and will be easy to clean and maintain. In more severe cases, a professional can replace the caulking or seals on the window, or re-caulk the area to stop water from entering the home. In certain cases, this may require replacing the entire window, or other structural repairs to the structure or roof. A window repairman is also able to examine and repair a leaky window that's located in a hard-to-reach location. This can include windows on upper floors or in dormers, as well as the roof of a home. Although these kinds of windows aren't as common as standard windows however, they are still an essential element of any business or home and should be maintained in a timely manner. It's sometimes difficult to determine the cause of a leaky window, so it's important to look for other indications of a problem like roof or siding leaks that can travel down through joists and wall studs to reach the windows. Rotted Frames A rotten window frame can expose your home to moisture that can cause damage to the wood. If not addressed the rot could lead to mold growth, degrading insulation and crumbling framing members which can compromise the structural integrity of your home's overall. It may be necessary to replace your entire frame and window depending on the extent of rot. It can be costly however it is essential if there is significant decay and rot in the frame. If the damage is limited to a tiny portion of the frame, a window repairman can restore the area with epoxy filler. This is available at most home improvement centers. Before you apply the filler, make sure that the area affected is clean and dry. You should also prepare the new area by applying a layer of epoxy consolidant in order to protect the repair and stop future rot. Apply the new filler with a putty knife once the wood is prepared. After applying the filler you can form it to match the surrounding area. Let it dry before sanding. Then, prime and paint the window frame to finish the repair. You must also be aware of any rot that may be present in the sheathing of your window. Caulk is recommended to close any gaps if you notice cracks or breaks. This will stop water from getting into your home and causing damage. However, you should utilize your tape measure prior to applying the caulk to obtain exact measurements of the boards that have rotted. This will ensure that the replacement board you purchase is the correct size. If your sash is stuck because of high humidity, you may be able to unblock it by cleaning the sash's channel with an axe and dirt remover. Once the channel is cleaned, you can open the grooves by putting in the sandpaper piece in a medium size around a wooden block. Once the sash has been loosened, you can lubricate with window wax. Muntins and Mullions Many homeowners are confused by the language used in window construction. This is normal. The terms “mullion” and “muntin” are similar, but they are used for different purposes in the context of window construction. A muntin or glazing bar (UK) is a further framing element that holds several panes of glass in a single door or window panel. It is used to create divisions within the window unit. They are decorative and can be seen in various architectural styles. Historically, muntins were created as structural supports for outer walls of older buildings that couldn't carry the weight of large windows. Today, they're mostly decorative and can be seen on replacement windows, doors and wood panels. If you look at a classic window in Europe you'll notice that it is crafted with a set of thin, vertical dividers that are referred to as mullions or muntins. The dividers, usually made of metal or wood, create a frame for the glass panes. Some dividers have grid-like designs. Muntins serve primarily as decorative elements, while mullions serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Mullions can provide a distinctive appearance to single-pane windows. With the addition of hinges and a track, they can also be converted into casement units that can be opened or closed. If a mullion, or muntin, is damaged, it may impact the entire window structure. Often, the wall or siding, as well as the insulation require replacement as well. It is crucial to have a professional window repairman inspect the damaged window and determine if it can be repaired or if new windows will be necessary. By having a professional inspect your window and the surrounding area to avoid unnecessary expenses and headaches down the road. Contact a reputable window company, such as Renewal by Andersen ® of Rapid City, if you have any concerns about the condition of your windows. Our window experts are always happy to assist!